We know from scripture that Jesus had brothers and sisters. His brother's names are written down for us. Most scholars believe the book of Jude was written by Jesus' brother Judas. But Judas didn't always believe in Jesus. In fact, he may have thought Jesus was crazy.
"And He (Jesus) came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, 'He is out of his mind.'" Mark 3:20,21
What must it have been like for Jesus, knowing his brothers didn't believe he was the Messiah? It must have saddened him. Who know all that they said to him; they were probably even embarrassed by Jesus. The leaders of the church hated Jesus. How did this affect his brothers and his mother too.
Early in his ministry, Jesus came to Nazareth to preach. After his teaching, the men of the church grew angry and murderous.
"Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” Matthew 13:55-56 (In other words, he is just a man.)
"When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way." Luke 4:28-30
Jesus' brothers must have been there when this happened. His mother was probably there too. What a shock this all must have been to them. How did their neighbors treat them after Jesus left? I would guess the whole town was in an uproar discussing Jesus and his family.
We know that at one time none of his brothers believed in Jesus because of this verse:
"So his brothers said to him, 'Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.' For not even his brothers believed in him." John 7:3-5
Pulpit Commentary
They appeared here to criticize their Brother's prolonged absence from Jerusalem, and his abstention from the Passover and other national festivals. They would, perhaps sincerely, hurry forward his public demonstration, and compel him to say to the great world what he had been saying in Galilaean villages, in the borders of Tyre, and in the cities of Decapolis. Depart hence, and go into Judea. "This is the time and place."
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The bluntness of this suggestion, given almost as a command, shews that they presumed upon their near relationship. It would be more natural in the mouths of men older than Christ, and therefore is in favour of their being sons of Joseph by a former marriage rather than sons of Joseph and Mary (comp. Mark 3:21; Mark 3:31). They shared the ordinary beliefs of the Jews about the Messiah, and therefore did not believe in their Brother. But His miracles perplexed them, and they wished the point brought to a decisive issue. There is no treachery in their suggestion; its object is not to put Him in the power of His enemies. (thy disciples also) His brethren seem to imply that they themselves are not His disciples even nominally.
But, in spite of his brother's unbelief all during Jesus ministry, it seems they all believed in him as their Savior after his resurrection! What a wonderful thing for Jesus. This must have made him so happy, for his heart is filled with love for everyone, but he must have especially loved his brothers whom he had grown up with in Nazareth.
All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:14
But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1:19
I was picturing in my mind, Jesus welcoming his brothers to heaven! What great joy for them and for him.
2 comments:
To know your family is saved is a wonderful thing.
John was there for him, even though he wasn't a brother by birth.
Yes, Jesus had many who loved him. Still, I think he must have felt misunderstood by most people and lonely while he was here. But to think we are called his sister, brother, friend and servant also. I feel pretty excited about seeing him face to face one day.
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